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Gilbert updates new Advocacy Center construction, staffing and budget as opening nears
Summary
Town staff told council the Gilbert Advocacy Center is nearing completion of phase one, with construction on schedule, ARPA and town funds covering most costs and a hired director set to begin in mid-March; next steps include hiring therapists, accreditation and planning for phases two and three.
Don opened the retreat by highlighting the Advocacy Center as the first major item and staff provided a full update on construction, funding and operations. The center, designed to centralize services for victims of human trafficking, sexual and other assault and child abuse, is under construction; phase one reached significant milestones after a January 2025 groundbreaking and is on track for substantial completion in 2026.
Staff said the project is being funded largely with one-time federal ARPA dollars and town general funds. The phase-one budget was originally $43 million; after a hard-bid process and contingency recaptures, staff reported about $4 million in savings and a revised phase-one total near $39 million. Officials emphasized the ARPA timeline (the project must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026) as a driver of schedule decisions. A town manager'level team continues to track contracts, change orders and contingency use.
Operations and service planning were a chief focus. Staff said the Advocacy Center will combine investigative and non-investigative services, including medical exams, counseling, criminal justice support and victim advocacy. The model mirrors regional one-site centers staff visited in Texas, California and Arizona, but Gilbert officials stressed the local center will serve both youth and adults, which expands scope and space needs.
Staff announced Trinity Donovan as the center's director; Donovan will start in mid-March and will lead hiring for therapists, a counseling manager and support staff. The town also plans accreditation and development of policies and procedures for trauma-informed care, and staff noted ongoing coordination with healthcare partners for forensic-nurse availability.
Council members praised the project and asked practical questions about service flow, contractor diligence and contingency planning; staff said they are already working with health partners and nonprofit fundraisers (the Gilbert Advocacy Foundation) to supply transitional items for clients and to volunteer-augment operations.
What's next: staff will continue construction monitoring, finalize remaining contracts, begin phased move-in when the building reaches substantial completion and report hiring progress and accreditation steps back to council.
